In a media release, Inhofe said he introduced proposed legislation after he saw edited videos released from a right-leaning group. The group alleges that the clips show proof of a fetal tissue “harvesting” scheme by Planned Parenthood.
Whoa, whoa. Wait. Planned Parenthood aren’t code words for “abortion clinic,” nor are they interchangeable with “black-market infant trade” or whatever it is they’re trying to claim. In fact, the vast majority of its services don’t involve abortion at all.
But that didn’t stop Inhofe from claiming the organization, which is almost a century old, has a “casual disregard for human life.”
Have any of Inhofe’s or Lankford’s staff members thought to teach these fine and well-educated men how to use Google? A properly done search reveals a whole lot of really helpful data: Planned Parenthood spends around 3 percent of its revenue on abortion-related services. That means almost all of its funding is used for, you know, family planning and healthcare.
Imagine our shock and surprise!
We know it’s hard to believe, but exactly none of Oklahoma’s six Planned Parenthood locations perform abortions. Instead, they offer referral for further care, which seems totally rational to us. You know what else? What the organization does provide to Oklahoma residents is HIV, STI and STD testing, treatment and vaccines; pregnancy testing and services; contraception; and women’s (and men’s) health care. These vital services are all about preserving and maintaining healthy families.
Given the overzealous men (and one woman — Hi, Joni Ernst of Iowa!) who also happen to be lawmakers and who have politicized — for whatever reason — family planning, it’s easy to be confused about all the fuss. Because it doesn’t appear to be about saving lives or maintaining the health of the very people of our state and nation who might just need help the most.
